Afiya Francisco is a Style Expert, television and fashion personality, speaker, and brand ambassador. The Style House is a multimedia platform designed to help women approach their personal style with confidence, simplicity & joy.

Jan 5

Jan 5 2015 Wellness at The Style House

Happy New Year! I was recently at at Moksha Yoga class where the teacher suggested that rather than make another resolution, maybe this is the year, to set an intention so that success isn't determined by an end goal but rather gradual steps. The thought resonated with me so I've set the intention of general wellness. Instead of trying to shed pounds, I'm enjoying the process of delicious meals and trying my hand at making stuff that I'd never considered before. I'm no nutritionist, but I will share my experience over the next 40 days in a new wellness section on The Style House (in addition, of course, to style sections – with some new ones coming!) – recipes, products and steps that, if I can manage, means that it is super simple. I'm not trying to go all Gwyneth on you (although I do love Ms. Paltrow) but maybe you'd like to join me. First up: delicious almond milk, so tasty you'll wonder what the boxed stuff actually is. I found a step-by-step video via Martha Stewart. My understanding though, is that you should soak the almonds overnight (or at least eight hours to release enzymes) and discard the soaking water. I use five dates, vanilla & cinnamon for added flavour. It's not cheap but, at the end of the day, I think it's cheaper than store bought.